(conductor Larry Blank leads the Philly Pops in its traditional Independence Day concert, relocated indoors this year due to weather. Photo by Tim Jimenez)

By Tim Jimenez

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Thanks to Mother Nature, the Philly Pops orchestra held its traditional Fourth of July holiday concert indoors at the Kimmel Center last night, instead of the usual spot outside Independence Hall.

In past years, the lawn chairs were out, folks packed a picnic basket, and enjoyed the Philly Pops right in front of Independence Hall for this annual tradition.

But this year there was a change of scenery: Verizon Hall in the Kimmel Center, the home of the Pops.

And not too many were bothered by it.

“Obviously I think it was a smart move,” said Bob Matkowski of Mt. Laurel, NJ, who adds that he tries to make it out each year.

“It’s nice and cool in here,” said Cyndy from Philadelphia, watching the Pops for the first time. “It’s not cool outside!”

Doris Thomas of Philadelphia agreed with the change of venue: “I don’t want to be soaking wet,” she said noting the heavy thunderstorms passing through the area.

The venue may have changed, but the memorable sound of the Pops did not. And to the hundreds there for the free concert — many decked out in red, white, and blue — they couldn’t imagine themselves anywhere else.

“Well, Philadelphia is the cradle of liberty, this is where they all started,” said Doris.

Cyndy agreed: “Isn’t this the birthplace of our independence? Well, this is the best place to be.”

Tim Jimenez is a general assignment reporter at KYW Newsradio 1060.
Tim, a native of Lansdale, Pa., is a proud Temple University alumnus.
He began his career as an intern at NBC 10 in the consumer alert department. From there he came to KYW...